PC M27-8 Question

[Pook]

Hi All,

I couldn't resist and picked up a Performance Center 27-8, s.n. RMC00XX. It is eight-shot, 3.5-inch nickel. It has a ball detent in the frame that snaps into the yoke instead of a locking pin under the barrel, and it has a fourth side plate screw.

I can't find any information on it in The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, and I am wondering if anyone can tell me about this revolver. Does it have any special significance because it is a PC gun or any collector value? I was thinking of shooting it, but if it is some kind of limited production item or otherwise unique, I might just squirrel it away.

Also, it came with two full-moon clips. I cannot figure out what these are for, because I thought the only other cartridge that can be used in .357 mags is the .38 spl.

As always, thanks for your help.

 

[RidgwayCO]

The moon clips are for quickly loading or unloading .357 Magnum or .38 Special in your 27-8. These PC models are relieved for moon clip use. Of course you can use your 27-8 without moon clips as well. It's nice to have the option!

 

[colt_saa]

I have more than a dozen of the eight shot, 357 Magnum, model 27/327/627 revolvers. Mine go back to the original introduction of only 300 pieces back in 1987.

Talking specifically about the carbon steel version with the 3 1/2" barrel, I have three of them. In this 8 shot Model 27 group photo, one blue and nickel are shown.

The third one is blue and is sitting in the desk drawer right next to me.

The set of six pictured above is one of each barrel length of 8 shot, carbon steel, 357 Magnum revolver that has ever been produced by the Performance Center. All six revolvers bear the same number.

The 4" and 6 1/2" blue versions were produced as a Distributor Exclusive offering for Bangers back in 2000. 100 of each barrel lenght were produced. The 3 1/2" and 5" were suposed to follow in 2001 but never came to be.

In 2007 Lew Horton decided to pick up the ball and commissioned Smith and Wesson to produce 8 shot model 27s to be sold as Registered Magnums. These were blue steel revolvers in 3 1/2" and 5" barrel lengths. 350 of each length were produced. Each revolver comes with the registration certificate in a Performance Center aluminum case.

Later in 2007 Lew Horton decided to produce both of these barrel lengths in nickel finish as well. 250 of each of the nickel Registered Magnums were produced. The Lew Horton Registered Magnums are all built on 4 screw frames. The Bangers versions are built on 3 screw frames.

As to performance, these are fantastic revolvers. I have found mine to be amongst the most accurate that I own. I love being able to load up 20-30 moon clips the night before going shooting and just pop them in and out of the revolvers (2 or 3 clips are supplied). Shoot yours, you will love it.

Remember these revolvers come out of the PC. So to start off, that means that they have air gauged, match grade barrels. It means that the tolerances are tighter than on production guns because the PC replaces their tooling more often. It means that the hammers and triggers are forged instead of MIM (not a performance issue, but forged look prettier). It means that the actions are superior to the normal off the shelf production gun. Trigger stops are fitted. Plus other differences from production guns that I just cant think of at the moment.

On the down side, the top strap checkering could be better.

 

[Pook]

Thank You

Colt saa,

Thank you for providing the great photos and all the helpful information. I bought this 27 on impulse, so I am glad to know that I have a unique S&W.

Pook


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